When it’s time to sell or refinance your home, you’re likely exploring upgrades that make the biggest impact. One question often comes up:
Does painting a house increase value?
The short answer: Absolutely. A fresh coat of paint doesn’t just enhance curb appeal, it delivers one of the highest home upgrades ROI across all improvement categories.
In this article, we’ll break down how and why painting pays off, what data supports it, and how to do it right to maximize your return.
Why Painting is One of the Smartest Pre-Sale Upgrades
When it comes to preparing a home for sale, not all improvements offer the same return. While kitchen remodels and new flooring can be expensive and time-consuming, painting delivers one of the highest returns on investment (ROI) with minimal cost and disruption.
Whether it’s revitalizing faded siding or covering scuffed walls inside, new paint instantly enhances perceived value, making your home feel cleaner, newer, and more move-in ready to potential buyers.
What the Data Says About Home Painting ROI
The numbers don’t lie. According to the HomeLight 2023 Top Agent Insights Survey, painting ranks among the top-performing pre-sale upgrades:
- Exterior painting delivers an average ROI of 152%, making it the highest-yielding improvement you can make before selling.
Interior painting comes close behind, with an impressive 107% ROI on average.
That means for every dollar you spend on paint, you’re likely to get back more than one, and in many cases, far more, when your home sells.
Let’s compare that with other popular home improvement projects:
| Home Upgrade | Average ROI |
|---|---|
| Exterior Painting | 152% |
| Interior Painting | 107% |
| Kitchen Remodel (Minor) | 81% |
| Bathroom Remodel (Minor) | 71% |
| Roof Replacement | 68% |
| New Windows | 63% |
As shown above, painting outperforms many high-cost renovations, without the need for permits, weeks of construction, or major stress. If you’re working with a limited budget but want maximum impact before listing, painting your home should be at the top of your priority list.
How Paint Affects Buyer Psychology
In real estate, perception is everything. Buyers form opinions about a home within seconds, often before they even step inside. That’s why fresh paint is more than just a cosmetic upgrade; it’s a powerful psychological tool that influences how buyers feel about your home. A well-painted property signals care, cleanliness, and pride of ownership, three qualities that immediately set your home apart from others on the market. It creates a positive emotional response, helping buyers envision themselves living there, rather than planning future fixes.
The Impact of Exterior Paint
The outside of your home is your first and most important impression. Updating the exterior with new paint doesn’t just improve how it looks, it elevates the entire buying experience from the curb.
- Boosts curb appeal, instantly increasing perceived value
- Creates strong first impressions that set the tone for the entire showing
- Protects siding and trim from weather, moisture, and sun damage
- Enhances listing photos, which can lead to more online views and in-person showings
“When a home looks crisp and well-kept on the outside, buyers walk in with higher expectations, and often higher offers,” says Michael Simmons, a real estate photographer specializing in pre-listing visuals.
The Impact of Interior Paint
Inside the home, paint can completely shift the feel of a space. It helps buyers emotionally connect to the home by presenting it as move-in ready and well cared for.
- Makes rooms feel brighter, larger, and cleaner
- Covers up wear and tear, scuff marks, or outdated wall colors
- Neutralizes bold or personalized color schemes, appealing to a wider buyer pool
- Helps buyers imagine themselves in the space, not the previous owners
Professional stagers often recommend painting as the #1 fix to prepare a home for sale, especially in high-traffic or visually dated areas.
Case Study: Boosting Home Upgrades ROI with Paint in Oklahoma
A homeowner in Oklahoma City spent just under $4,000 repainting the exterior and main living areas before selling. The result?
- The home sold within a week, well below the local average
- It closed at about 4% above market value
- Neutral colors and clean finishes made it feel move-in ready to buyers
“Simple updates like paint can dramatically increase ROI, especially in competitive markets like Oklahoma City,” said the listing agent.
This case shows how strategic, low-cost home upgrades, like painting, can deliver clear ROI in value-driven markets.
Best Colors for Resale Value
When it comes to painting with ROI in mind, color matters. Bold or trendy hues might suit personal taste, but neutral tones attract the widest buyer pool.
Top Exterior Colors
- Soft gray
- Greige (gray-beige)
- Classic white
- Navy with white trim
Top Interior Colors
- Light gray
- Warm beige
- Soft white
- Pale green or blue for bathrooms
According to a Zillow Paint Analysis:
- Slate blue bathrooms added up to $5,000 in value
- Light gray living rooms increased perceived value by $1,200
DIY or Hire a Pro?
If you’re trying to boost ROI, quality matters. A poorly executed paint job can detract from your home’s value rather than add to it.
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| DIY Painting | Lower cost, flexible timing | Time-intensive, may lack finish |
| Professional | High-quality results, fast | Higher upfront cost |
For homes over 1,500 sq. ft., or when selling, hiring a professional painter is often the smartest move.
How Much Does It Cost to Paint a House?
Cost varies by region, size, and condition, but here’s a general estimate:
| Area | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Exterior (entire) | $2,500 – $7,500 |
| Interior (entire) | $3,000 – $6,000 |
| Per room (interior) | $300 – $800 |
Even at the high end, painting costs are well below most renovation projects, with far higher ROI potential.
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What Part of the House Should You Prioritize?
If your budget is limited, focus on high-visibility areas first:
Top-Impact Areas for ROI
- Exterior Siding
- Front Door
- Living Room
- Kitchen
- Entryway
- Bathroom Walls
Avoid painting low-impact or hidden areas unless they’re in poor condition.
Other Benefits Beyond ROI
Painting doesn’t just add resale value, it provides several other homeowner benefits:
- Protects your home from moisture, insects, and decay
- Refreshes the overall energy and feel of the space
- Reduces odors from smoke, pets, or cooking
- Increases longevity of your surfaces and siding
Does Painting a House Increase Value? Yes, Here’s Why
Whether you’re prepping for the market or just want to maximize your property’s potential, a professional paint job is a smart, data-backed investment. To wrap it all up:
- Painting is one of the highest ROI home upgrades available
- It improves aesthetic appeal, market perception, and appraisal potential
- Costs are relatively low compared to the value it adds, especially when done strategically
Ready to Increase Your Home’s Value?
Let Tulsa Christian Bros Painting give your home the professional refresh it needs, inside and out. Whether you’re preparing to sell or just want to boost your curb appeal, our experienced team delivers quality results that pay off.
